Coming to a decision on whether or not you want a divorce is challenging in its own right. However, if you do decide to divorce, then you should start to get ready for it. Divorce prep is crucial for improving the chances of your divorce going smoothly. In fact, there’s a few areas in particular you want to focus on…
Divorce Prep: Where To Start
Documents
Proper documentation is crucial for the divorce process. Therefore, one of the first things you want to do when starting your divorce prep is to start gathering the documents you might need. This is mainly going to be financial documents. For example, you’ll want to gather up W-2’s, tax returns, credit card and bank statements, and many other similar documents.
Of course, gathering the documents is only one part of it. You’ll also have to organize them. This can seem like a pretty tedious process, and sometimes it can feel like one. However, taking the time to do it now will save you from some massive headaches in the future.
Prepare financially
Divorce can also be a costly process. It’s not uncommon for divorcing people to face some financial stress both during and after their divorce. This can seriously cause some hangups, not only in your divorce, but for getting your post-divorce life started. As a result, you’ll also want to make sure your finances are ready for divorce.
First, try to make a quick budget and see where your finances are now. Then, factor in some of the expected divorce costs and see how it impacts your budget. If your budget shows you running into some trouble, try to act now to prepare. Save a bit extra, watch your spending, and you can make it through your divorce in good financial shape.
Identify your goals
You should also consider what your divorce goals are as part of your divorce prep. Of course, the divorce itself is the main goal. But don’t forget the things in-between. This could include things like your plans for your children, any kind of support payments, and who ends up getting what. Make sure these goals are somewhat reasonable, and be willing to work with your ex on solutions to both of your goals.
